Cabinet clears Rs. 356M consultancy for railway expansion to Ratnapura

22 April 2026 03:56 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a consultancy contract for the feasibility study and preparation of detailed plans to extend the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

Initial approval for the project was granted at the Cabinet meeting held on October 21, 2025, to conduct a feasibility study and develop detailed plans for the proposed extension.

Expressions of Interest were called under the National Competitive Procurement Procedure, attracting eight bidders. Following the evaluation of technical proposals, financial bids from four shortlisted institutions were opened and assessed.

Based on the evaluation, the Consultant Procurement Committee recommended awarding the consultancy to Resources Development Consultants (Pvt) Ltd at a total cost of Rs. 356.22 million, excluding taxes.

The Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to proceed with the award in line with the committee’s recommendation.

Comments - 7

Upulpb Wednesday, 22 April 2026 06:40 PM

Very clearly a stupid decision. Use the money to develop the line upto Avissawella and improve the service.

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Robin Wednesday, 22 April 2026 09:00 PM

A feasibility study and consultancy to cost Rs, 356M!! Is the Rajapakse Government in charge? If consultancy is going to cost 356Million, imagine the cost of the project itself!! Doesn't sound right. Aren't there sane people in the ministries?

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Kumar Thursday, 23 April 2026 06:51 AM

Dude, in dollar terms it is cheap.

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james Wednesday, 22 April 2026 10:34 PM

Railway dept already has the land. Just kick the illgeal settlers out and have CGR lay new tracks. How hard is this?

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Riz vegga Thursday, 23 April 2026 05:36 AM

Country need rail transport system done accordingly to move forward its extremely difficult task to ensure money been used for project purpose whithout going to pockets.......given previous experience and on going debts have proper procedures system in place ...with law and order

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Kandy man Thursday, 23 April 2026 05:48 AM

This is good decision and this will be a boom for tourism. Hope the government will start this project before their term of governess expires.

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More talk Thursday, 23 April 2026 10:15 AM

All talk. Few millions will end up in a bank account in Palawatte but we won't travel in rail to Ratnapura by 2029.

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